Mr. W. Joseph Stewartasked the Minister of Labour in which places and to what extent has the Government proposals for the sitting up of industries in the county of Durham to meet the post-war situation; and will local authorities be helped and encouraged in the setting up of industries in their areas financially and otherwise?
§ Mr. GreenwoodI have been asked to reply. No specific proposals for the setting up of further industries in the county of Durham after the war are at1818W present under the consideration of the Government. I can, however, assure my hon. Friend that, in carrying out their general policy for urban and rural development which I announced in the House on 11th February, the Government will take into account the industrial potentialities of all parts of the country. The Minister of Works and Planning will guide local authorities in England and Wales in the formulation of planning schemes, but no decision has been taken to grant financial assistance to local authorities for the purpose of setting up industries in their areas.